Keytruda plus radiation shows promise against lung cancer

NCT ID NCT02444741

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with precise radiation therapy could help people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The trial enrolled 124 participants with stage IV disease. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors and slow cancer growth. The approach uses radiation to kill cancer cells while pembrolizumab helps the immune system attack the cancer throughout the body.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus radiation therapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for advanced lung cancer, potentially shrinking tumors and delaying disease progression.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial (Phase I/II) with a modest number of participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and side effects from combining immunotherapy with radiation are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States